5th Wheel Hitch for Short Bed: 5 Top Picks Compared

Towing a fifth wheel with a short bed truck can be tricky without the right hitch. You need clearance to avoid cab contact during tight turns, plus reliable coupling and a smooth ride.

This guide compares five top CURT hitches designed for short beds. You’ll find slider models, fixed options, and features like auto-latch and noise reduction to help you choose the best match for your truck and trailer.

CURT 16531 A20 5th Wheel Slider Hitch – Smooth & Quiet

The CURT 16531 A20 is built for short bed trucks with a 20,000 lb capacity. Its cast yoke uses poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise, giving you a quieter, more comfortable tow. The fully articulating torsion head ensures controlled coupling and stable towing, even on uneven terrain.

You’ll appreciate the lockable handle that self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling. This makes hooking up easier and safer. High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise and enhance security. If you want a slider that prioritizes a smooth, quiet ride, this model is a strong contender.

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• Cast yoke with poly-torsion inserts to suppress shock loads and reduce noise
• Fully articulating torsion head for controlled coupling and stable towing
• Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling
• High-strength, interlocking jaws fully wrap the kingpin to minimize noise
• Extra wide head opening for easier coupling

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CURT 16057 A25 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – High Capacity

With a 25,000 lb capacity, the CURT 16057 A25 is ideal for heavier trailers. It’s compatible with select OEM puck systems on newer Ford, Ram, and GM trucks. The quarter-turn anchoring system allows quick installation and removal, saving you time and effort.

Adjustable anchors eliminate chucking between the legs and puck system, providing a tighter fit. The 5th wheel slider offers 12 inches of travel in the truck bed, giving you the turning clearance you need for short beds. If you have a puck system and need high capacity, this hitch delivers convenience and strength.

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• Fits , or pickups with the OEM puck system (year range specific)
• Quarter-turn anchoring system provides quick installation and removal
• Adjustable anchors to eliminate chucking between the legs and puck system
• 5th wheel slider provides 12" of travel in the truck bed
• Lockable handle self-resets to the ready-to-couple position after uncoupling

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CURT 16511 E16 5th Wheel Slider Hitch – Easy Operation

The CURT 16511 E16 is a 16,000 lb slider designed for simplicity. It pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement, helping you navigate tight spots. The automatic locking mechanism ensures secure coupling without extra steps.

Operating this hitch is straightforward with a single handle and few moving parts. An anti-rattle skid plate helps reduce noise, making your ride more pleasant. If you want a user-friendly slider that’s easy to operate and maintain, this model is a great fit for lighter fifth wheels.

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• Pivots on dual axes for 10 degrees of lateral movement
• Automatically locks for easy, secure coupling
• Operates using a single handle with few moving parts
• Features an anti-rattle skid plate to help reduce noise
• S20 5th wheel slider #16564 provides 12" of travel in the truck bed

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CURT 16564 S20 Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch – Auto-Latch Safety

The CURT 16564 S20 offers 12 inches of displacement for added turning clearance in short beds. Its auto-latch feature means once you set the lever, the hitch automatically locks into place when you drive forward. This eliminates the need to manually check the lock, enhancing safety.

This hitch ships fully assembled from the factory for fast installation. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails and is tested to SAE 2638 specifications for solid strength. If you want a slider with automatic locking and easy setup, the S20 is a reliable choice.

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• ENHANCED SAFETY. This sliding 5th wheel hitch provides 12 inches of displacement for the coupling point, adding turning clearance for short-bed trucks and avoiding trailer obstruction
• AUTO-LATCH. The CURT S20 is an automatic sliding 5th wheel hitch, meaning once the lever is set, it automatically locks into place when you drive forward. This eliminates the need to exit the truck multiple times during hookup
• FACTORY ASSEMBLED. This 5th wheel slider ships fully assembled from the factory for fast, easy installation in your truck bed. It mounts onto any industry-standard 5th wheel rails and accepts a variety of CURT hitch heads
• SOLID STRENGTH. This sliding hitch is fully tested according to SAE 2638 specifications and is rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight (limited by lowest-rated towing component)
• DUAL-COAT. For dependable weather-resistance in your truck bed, this 5th wheel slider features a dual-coat finish of rust-resistant A-coat and a tough carbide black powder coat

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CURT 16130 Q20 5th Wheel Hitch – Quiet Ride Indicator

The CURT 16130 Q20 is a fixed hitch engineered for quiet towing. Its spherical axial bearing allows the head to move easily, reducing noise and vibration. A 3-position coupling indicator shows you the status of the hitch and trailer, so you always know when it’s secure.

Operation is easy with a single, short-throw handle that promotes ergonomic coupling. The handle is also lockable for added security. Tested for 20,000 lbs gross trailer weight and 5,000 lbs vertical load, this hitch is a solid choice for short beds if you don’t need a slider.

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• QUIET RIDE. This Q-series CURT 5th wheel hitch is engineered to promote the quietest 5th wheel towing possible. It features a spherical axial bearing that allows the head to easily tilt in any direction needed
• COUPLING INDICATOR. Built into this 5th wheel hitch is a 3-position indicator that shows the coupling status of the hitch and your trailer. It conveniently shows if the 5th wheel hitch is coupled, uncoupled or ready to tow
• EASY OPERATION. This CURT 5th wheel hitch operates with a single, short-throw handle to promote ergonomic operation and easier coupling of your 5th wheel trailer. The handle is also lockable for maximum security on the road
• SAFETY-TESTED. Tested and rated for 20,000 lbs. gross trailer weight and 5,000 lbs. vertical load, this 5th wheel hitch is capable of towing a variety of 5th wheels (limited to lowest-rated towing component). It tested to SAE J2638 specifications
• VERSATILE FIT. This 5th wheel hitch fits any industry-standard 5th wheel base rails, such as CURT rails #16104 and #16204 (rails and brackets sold separately) (Not compatible with articulating or turret-style pin boxes, such as Rota-Flex and Sidewinder)

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Buyer’s Guide: What to Consider

Choosing the right fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck involves key factors. Here’s what to consider before you buy.

• Weight Capacity: Match the hitch's gross trailer weight (GTW) and vertical load ratings to your trailer's weight. Overloading can be dangerous.
• Slider vs. Fixed: Short beds need a slider for turning clearance. Fixed hitches work if you have a long bed or use a sliding fifth wheel adapter.
• Truck Bed Compatibility: Check if your truck has an OEM puck system or requires standard rails. Some hitches are designed specifically for puck systems.
• Ease of Use: Look for features like auto-latch, single-handle operation, or quick-install systems to make coupling and uncoupling easier.
• Noise and Vibration: Poly-torsion inserts, spherical bearings, and anti-rattle plates reduce noise and shock, making your tow more comfortable.

Conclusion

Selecting the best fifth wheel hitch for your short bed truck depends on your trailer’s weight, your truck’s setup, and your preferences for ease of use and noise reduction. The CURT A20 offers a quiet ride, while the A25 handles heavy loads with puck system compatibility.

For automatic locking, the S20 is a standout. The E16 is simple to operate, and the Q20 provides quiet towing with a coupling indicator. Consider your specific needs to find the perfect match for safe, enjoyable towing.